Arsenal president Sir Chips Keswick has retired after 15 years, the club has confirmed. Keswick, 80, a former director of the National Bank of England, has been a member of the Arsenal board since 2005.
He became president in 2013, replacing Peter Hill Wood, and during his time in the team, the Gunners won three FA Cups.
Keswick said: “It has been an honour to be the chairman of this great football club. Arsenal has always held a special place in my life and that will remain the case in the future.
“I made my plan to retire at the end of this season clear to the board, before the global health crisis we are now experiencing.
“The club is in safe hands with Stan and Josh, the board and the executive team. I know Arsenal will emerge strongly from this situation and I look forward, like all our supporters around the world, to seeing the team in action as soon as possible.”
While, the Arsenal owners Stan and Josh Kroenke said: “We would like to express our immense gratitude for everything Sir Chips has done for Arsenal Football Club as a board member and chairman of the board over the past 15 years.
“His extensive business knowledge and experience coupled with his deep love of Arsenal have made him the perfect chairman. It has been a privilege to work with him and he will always be a very welcome visitor when we return to playing matches at Emirates Stadium.
“Our primary concern at this difficult time is the health and well-being of our staff and players. It’s also our intention to ensure Arsenal Football Club emerges from this crisis in a strong position. That’s what we’re all working on every day.”
Following Kesswick’s departure, the club’s board will consist of Stan and Josh Kroenke, Philip Harris and Ken Fryar.
